Song #43

The Boy And The Priest

1)
There was long ago, a boy whose father
Did not read the Bible, being Catholic
But his mother did, she being Protestant
The boy often said, "which is right and true?"

2)
The time came when the father wished the son to follow his way
And brought his son to the priest one day
But when he came to the priest, the priest wrote down
What the boy must do for an indulgence

3)
You must confess your sins and pay me
A payment for indulgence and all is forgiven
"Strange," said the boy,"must everyone do this?"
"Confess and admit in order to be forgiven?"

4)
"Yes, that is indeed necessary for every man
It will apply God's grace, so teaches the Pope in Rome"
"Well," replied the boy, "that would embarrass me"
"Do you, sir, confess your sins and admit them?"

5)
"Oh yes, I confess my sins to the Bishop
And pay twelve riksdalar, for that is the price
The boy: "Yes that would be possible for the Bishop,
But who gives Him indulgence, to whom does He confess?"
6)
The priest: "He confesses his sins to the Pope,
To receive indulgence for a certain price
But the Pope, he confesses to God in heaven
The boy: "What does he give for his indulgence?"
The priest: "He does not pay anything"

7)
Then said the boy,"If the Lord truly
is willing to forgive without price
His is the best of all, and the smartest thing to do
Would be to save my money for God's work"